MINISTER NDEJEMBI ISSUES TOUGH DIRECTIVES OVER IMPLEMENTATION OF 49.5MW MALAGARASI POWER PROJECT IN KIGOMA





📌 Dissatisfied with the contractor’s pace of project implementation

📌 Orders special audit on the use of the USD 20 million advance payment issued to the contractor against completed works

📌 Directs immediate removal of the contractor’s project manager

Minister for Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, has expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation progress of the 49.5 Megawatt Malagarasi Hydropower Project in Kigoma Region, being executed by Dongfang Electric Company, citing delays and failure by the contractor to meet contractual obligations agreed upon with the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO).

Mr. Ndejembi made the remarks on May 10, 2026 during an inspection visit to assess the progress of the project, where he observed that the contractor had continued giving excuses instead of fulfilling its responsibilities within the agreed timeline.

Speaking during the visit, the Minister said the Government had already paid the contractor more than USD 20 million as an advance payment, yet the level of completed work did not reflect the amount disbursed.

Some of the delayed works include construction of workers’ camps and project access roads, an indication of poor progress in the implementation of the strategic project.

He further directed TANESCO and the supervising consultant to closely monitor the contractor, stressing that the Government would neither provide additional funds nor approve any variation of project costs since the contractor had submitted its own cost estimates during the tendering process.

He noted that some contractors intentionally quote low prices to win tenders and later begin requesting additional funds, a practice the Government will not tolerate.

In another development, Mr. Ndejembi ordered the immediate removal of the contractor’s project manager, citing repeated excuses that have contributed to delays in project implementation.

He also directed a special audit into the utilization of the advance payment funds to determine how the money had been used in comparison with the completed works.

“This project is of great importance to the people of Kigoma, Katavi, Kagera and neighboring areas as it will strengthen the National Grid and improve access to reliable electricity in the country. The Government will not tolerate delays caused by contractor negligence,” said Mr. Ndejembi.

He instructed TANESCO to complete the audit within two weeks and submit the report to his office.

The Minister also commended TANESCO Managing Director Mr. Lazaro Twange for conducting regular meetings with the contractor and taking various measures to address challenges affecting project implementation.

On his part, TANESCO Managing Director Mr. Lazaro Twange said the utility had received all directives issued by the Minister and would ensure timely implementation so that the project is completed as scheduled.

The 49.5MW Malagarasi Hydropower Project is being implemented by Dangfang Electric International Corporation (DEC) from China. The project commenced on April 30, 2024 and is expected to be completed by October 30, 2027 at a cost of more than TZS 300 billion.

Once completed, the project will improve electricity supply in Kigoma, Katavi, Kagera and neighboring regions by strengthening the National Grid.

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